And despite admitting to discussions with Carver and senior players, the Toon say they WON'T be axing their current boss.

A statement read: "Following the result at Leicester City on Saturday, there has been two days of frank dialogue with John Carver and senior players.

"The outcome of those discussions is that the board, John Carver, his staff and players are absolutely focused on our current situation and the three hugely-important fixtures that remain this season, two of which are at St. James' Park.